Does your child have dreams of becoming a college athlete? 

As a parent, you probably want to do everything you can to help your child achieve their dreams.

Looking at colleges with your child can be a long and stressful process, but if your child is looking to play sports at a collegiate level that stress likely increases. 

If the athlete isn't a top-level recruit, it may be difficult for them to get the attention of college coaches. This is when some parents turn to recruiting services.

The goal of a recruiting service is to help you and your child navigate the process of becoming a college athlete and help assistant your child in fulfilling their dreams while educating you about the process. 

USA Today High School Sports wants parents and athletes to remember recruiting services aren't "miracle workers." They can only help the athlete so much. It's important to remain realistic about your child’s current academic and athletic abilities.

Depending on the recruiting service company you choose, the cost will vary. Some companies are just advisors, connecting athletes with schools that fit them academically and athletically, while others provide will help create videos and websites of their athletes as well as making those connections.

When it comes to cost, how much one is willing to spend varies, but it's important to have a clear understanding of what services you are paying for and the company you choose should have a clear answer for you.

Another thing to keep in mind is just because you hired a recruiting service, that doesn't mean everything will be done for you. Athletes and their parents should still be involved in the process.

Keep in mind, a recruiting service isn't for everyone. Some athletes and parents before you have achieved great success while using a recruiting service, while others have received nothing but empty promises, no offers or calls and are out hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

According to Los Angeles Daily News five years ago, the NCAA set regulations that would require scouting services to register, however, this only applies to scouting services that sell scouting subscriptions to coaching staffs. The NCAA does not have the resources or jurisdiction to monitor private scouting services.

It's important that parents and student-athletes do the proper research, read the reviews of the company you are interested in hiring and make sure to ask the right questions when deciding if a recruiting service is something you and your athlete decides you need or don't need.